Data as of .
PBJN vs XMAY: which one stands where?
As of Sep 21, 2026 XMAY can fall 4.1% before its buffer engages and PBJN 2.5%, and XMAY resets 10 days sooner.
These are two different products. XMAY is a floor fund, which caps how far a holder can fall. PBJN is a buffer fund, which absorbs the first part of a fall and leaves everything below it with the holder.
Where each one stands today
XMAY resets first, on May 21, 2027, 242 days from now; PBJN runs to May 31, 2027, 252 days. PBJN can still gain 9.3% before its cap, XMAY 6.6%. A fall from here reaches PBJN’s buffer after 2.5% and XMAY’s after 4.1%. Both track SPY, so what separates them is where each is in its own period.
Every figure is ETFIQ’s own, from the issuer’s published outcome-period terms. A buffer ETF holds FLEX options on its reference index rather than shares, so there is no holdings overlap between two of them to report.
Performance, window by window
| Window | Total return | Gap to the reference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PBJN | XMAY | PBJN | XMAY | |
| 3 months | +1.6% | +2.1% | −0.6 pts | −0.1 pts |
| 6 months | +5.2% | +5.7% | −12.8 pts | −12.3 pts |
| 1 year | +6.9% | +7.7% | −9.7 pts | −8.8 pts |
| PBJN PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - June Absorbs the first 20% of loss on SPY and caps the gain at 12.1%, over a period ending May 31, 2027 | XMAY FT Vest U.S. Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - May Absorbs the first 15% of loss on SPY and caps the gain at 11.0%, over a period ending May 21, 2027 | |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | PGIM | First Trust |
| Reference index | SPY | SPY |
| Buffer | 20% | 15% |
| Outcome period | Jun 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027 | May 18, 2026 to May 21, 2027 |
| Days left | 252 | 242 |
| Starting cap | +12.1% | +11.0% |
| Can still gain | 9.3% | 6.6% |
| Fall before buffer | 2.5% | 4.1% |
| Protection left, index points | 20.0% of 20.0% | 15.0% of 15.0% |
| Index return this period | +2.3% | +4.7% |
| Fund return this period | +2.1% | +3.4% |
| State today | Open | Open |
| Expense ratio | 0.50% | 0.85% |
| Net assets | $58m | $19m |
PBJN in plain words
From its price on Sep 21, 2026, the fund can gain about 9.3% more before it reaches its cap. The fund's price can fall 2.5% from here before the buffer starts absorbing losses, by the issuer's figure. In index terms, SPY can fall 2.2% from today's level to the point where the buffer begins. Protection left, in index points: 20.0% of the 20.0% buffer still sits below today's SPY level. 252 days remained on Sep 21, 2026. On May 31, 2027 the period ends and a new cap is set.
XMAY in plain words
From its price on Sep 21, 2026, the fund can gain about 6.6% more before it reaches its cap. The fund's price can fall 4.1% from here before the buffer starts absorbing losses, by the issuer's figure. In index terms, SPY can fall 4.5% from today's level to the point where the buffer begins. Protection left, in index points: 15.0% of the 15.0% buffer still sits below today's SPY level. 242 days remained on Sep 21, 2026. On May 21, 2027 the period ends and a new cap is set.
Questions people ask
- Which has more room to gain, PBJN or XMAY?
- From their prices on Sep 21, 2026, PBJN can gain about 9.3% before its cap and XMAY about 6.6%, so PBJN has more room left this period.
- Which resets first, PBJN or XMAY?
- PBJN ends its outcome period on May 31, 2027 and XMAY on May 21, 2027. A new cap is set the day after each.
- Which is cheaper, PBJN or XMAY?
- PBJN charges 0.50% a year and XMAY charges 0.85%, so PBJN is cheaper. Fees come from each fund's prospectus.
Other comparisons
Where these figures came from
ETFIQ links to the documents behind every figure. It is not affiliated with any issuer, and a link is not an endorsement.
Cite this page. ETFIQ, PBJN against XMAY, data as of Sep 21, 2026. https://etfiq.com/compare/buffer/pbjn-vs-xmay Free to use with attribution; the underlying files are at Open data.